Some come because they saw it in the Olympics. Some because their parents and grandparents do it, too. And some take up speedskating because theyB次元官网网址檙e looking for something new.

All of them get hooked to the speed.

B次元官网网址淚 love going really fast,B次元官网网址� said  Kelly Cayford, a 14-year-old  with the Esquimalt Speedskating Club.

CayfordB次元官网网址檚 been skating with Esquimalt for four years and is one of three members, along with 16-year-olds Ben Weir and Cameron Nawosad, who are going to the B.C. Winter Games in Vernon in February.

TheyB次元官网网址檒l compete in the 400- and 1,500-metre races.

B次元官网网址淥ne thing about our group is itB次元官网网址檚 pretty steady in terms of numbers,B次元官网网址� said vice-president Ian Philips.

B次元官网网址淪ome of us are more competitive than others. Not everyone shows up for the 6 a.m. skate on Saturdays,B次元官网网址� he added, noting the club is open to new skaters.

Six-year-old Zion Lavoie, for example, isnB次元官网网址檛 relying on the protective mats along the boards to cushion any wipeouts he might make. The beginner is concerned enough with falling down.

B次元官网网址淚 get going so fast I canB次元官网网址檛 turn,B次元官网网址� Lavoie said.

Lavoie is part of the clubB次元官网网址檚 varied mix. Philips has been on the ice since 1990 and has seen youngsters climb the ranks and go on to train in Calgary.

Sessions are 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Archie Browning Sports Centre.

Visit esquimaltspeedskating.org for more information.

sports@vicnews.com